Where is Portofino located in Italy? Portofino, Italy: attractions, photos, reviews. How to get to Portofino from Genoa

In no other region of Italy is there a greater sense of desire for renewal, the need to destroy and then build anew. The sea is in constant turmoil, new things, new names, people coming and going, and the land itself, which remains the same. Thus, the mentality of the Ligurians against the backdrop of the endless sea reflects the avarice of the land, picturesque, but harsh, lined with bays. In such a situation, it is difficult to imagine any kind of “eternal” architecture - here everything becomes temporary. (Portofino) perhaps best represents Liguria and the Cinque Terre - places that have lived in harmony with nature, challenging it for centuries.

Portofino is a unique fusion of nature, history and art.

Perfect harmony between the creations of nature and man. A small town in the middle of the hills with oaks and pines of Aleppo, overlooking the sea and full of colorful houses and orchards, making it one of the most beautiful in Italy and the entire Mediterranean. How he describes it Guy de Maupassant, “a small village surrounded by a crescent moon around a marvelous, quiet creek.” really very small - according to 2009 statistics, there are only 493 inhabitants– and it won’t be difficult to get around it. In addition to expensive boutiques, there are souvenir shops and small workshops. Roma street(Via Roma) leads up from the port and is the busiest. Cozy Square(Piazzetta) in the port is surrounded by tables of restaurants and cafes - the ideal place to relax with a cocktail and admire the boats. This whole atmosphere emanates some kind of mystery, it seems that it belongs to another world.

And even being a miracle, it is real and, meanwhile, is in the most beautiful Portofino Regional Park(Parco Regionale di Portofino), a protected area on the Mediterranean Sea. Its Cape (Promontorio) cuts into the sea in a 4 km strip between the Gulf of Paradise (Golfo del Paradiso) and the Gulf of Tigullio (Golfo del Tigullio). It is distinguished by numerous cliffs and cliffs, revealing a rich world of flora and fauna. East Coast(Riviera di Levante) will open before you a world of its splendor. Or, in the city itself, walk to Castle Brown(Castello di Brown), also known as Fortress of St. Giorgio(Fortezza di San Giorgio), which, located right next to the sea, offers a magnificent view of the Gulf of Tigullio. The best panorama of the city opens a little further, from the cemetery Church of St. Giorgio. Even further - Cape Portofino(Punta Portofino) and its lighthouse.

Castle Brown (Fortress of St. Giorgio)

Castle Brown is named after one of its owners, Sir Montague Yates Brown, English consul in Genoa in 1867. He bought the castle for 7,000 lire and turned it into a luxurious villa, where his compatriots often visited. Elisabeth von Arnim made the castle a setting in one of her novels (Enchanting April). Subsequently, Mike Newell made a film based on it in 1992. Inside there are various interesting historical things and architectural elements, and there are also some interesting stories associated with the castle, for example, how the consul and his wife planted two pine trees on the terrace for their wedding. To this day, the largest number of photographs have been taken in this place.

The fate of the castle is closely connected with fate. The fortress of St. Giorgio, named after one of the first saints of Christianity, originates in 13-14th century during the Maritime Republic of Genoa (Repubblica marinara di Genova). According to documents of that time, Doge Tommaso Campofregoso took over his fortress from the Duke of Milan Filippo Maria Visconti. The position of the fortress, meanwhile, was strategically advantageous, as it opened up a view of the city and the bay, which made attempts to occupy it more difficult. Until 1229 it belonged to Genoa, as did the entire territory near the bay.

It was most likely built by the ancient Romans and named Portus Delphini due to the large population of dolphins in the waters of the bay. Who knows what Richard the Lionheart was thinking during his brief stop at Castle Brown? Maybe the divine beauty of these places gave him strength for the third crusade... Who knows, some say it's just a legend. It is interesting to know that Guglielmo Marconi himself sailed into calm waters on his ship Electra in the thirties, and this is not a legend.

Abbey of Saint Fruttosio

Abbey of Saint Fruttosio(Abbazia di San Fruttosio), one of the historical sites, also helps to understand the history of this small town. The structure is located in the center of the Capodimonte bay (baia di Capodimonte), between Camogli and. It was built around the 10th century, and until now you can only get here from the sea or on foot along a steep path. The city was first mentioned in 986, when Adelaide of Burgundy(wife of Lotario II of Italy and reigning queen of the Holy Roman Empire after the death of her second husband, Ottone I) signed documents regarding the tribute received from the abbey as inhabitants. The monastery was inhabited by monks of the Order of Saint Colombano from Bobbio.

After a long time Andrea Doria began rebuilding the courtyard and the church itself, and it acquired a modern look. It is in the courtyard that we find the Dorian crypt, which contains the remains of seven members of the Dorian family and two more graves and a sarcophagus of unknown origin. The monastery also houses the remains of the saint whose name the abbey bears - Saint Fruttosio - a Spanish bishop who lived in the 3rd century; with him also the relics of Augurius and Eulogio. Inside the monastery is located Monte Museum(Museo del Monte), telling about the monastic life of that era, and opposite the lovely little beach at a depth of 17 m there is a bronze Christ Abyssi statue(Cristo degli Abissi) 1954, protector of all sailors. Recent history includes partisan Italy and the Olivetta Massacre, when on December 3, 1944, the fascists shot 20 partisans.

Today - fashionable luxury resort, known throughout the world as a place for the rich. For example, Hollywood stars choose for entertainment and relaxation. Particularly striking is the Square, which at all times was full of aristocrats, intellectuals and socialites. Walking along the embankment and picturesque narrow streets, visiting shops and art galleries - there is a large choice.

Holidays Portofino

Numerous traditional holidays are also interesting. Don't miss it under any circumstances Day of the city's patron saint, St. Giorgio(Festa Patronale di San Giorgio), April 23, and Trail Portofino(Trail di Portofino), taking place in the park.

Also worth your attention are the traditional celebrations in the area: Festival of the Fish (March, Camogli), Banyun (July, Riva Trigoso, Sestri San Levante), Festival of the Forgotten Grass (Easter, Villa Durazzo ), Santa Margherita Ligure, Butter Festival (July, one of the most famous in Italy, Leivi), Pesto Pesto (Lavagna).

How to get to Portofino

Arrive by plane

The nearest airport is in Genoa: 45 km east on the A12 motorway. Some hotels provide delivery to their guests, in addition, there are taxis and car rentals. During the peak season (July and August) the city is quite crowded and it is more difficult to find a car. The nearest airport after Genoa is in Pisa. From both cities you can also find a route by rail.

Arrive by car

Take the A12 Genoa - La Spezia highway to Rapallo, then follow the signs for Santa Margherita (about 20 minutes drive). In the town itself you can only move on foot. You can leave your car in a paid covered parking lot on Liberty Square (Piazza Martiri della Libertà), which is open 24 hours a day. The free parking area is located on the road between Santa Margherita Ligure and opposite the Covo Nord Est discotheque. From here you can walk to the city center, enjoying the magnificent scenery, or take a shuttle bus. Tickets for it can be purchased in the parking lot from the electronic machine.

Arrive by train

The nearest station is Santa Margherita Ligure, part of the Rome-Genoa-Torino and Bologna-Parma-Genoa lines.

From Santa Margherita you can reach:

• on foot - about 1 hour 20 minutes;
• by taxi;
• by bus: a regular bus departs from the railway station heading to Freedom Square in about 15 minutes (with intermediate stops in Covo Nord Est and Paraggi). Runs every 30-40 minutes from 6:15 to 22:00
• by boat - the ferry provides constant communication between the Gulf of Paradise, the Gulf of Tigullio and Genoa.

Charming Portofino is a small resort town in Italy, located near the Liguria region. The city owes its name to the Romans, who called it Portus Delfini, since the bay was once a favorite habitat for many dolphins.

This fabulous town with a population of only about 500 people is located on the shores of a picturesque bay of the Ligurian Sea, part of the National Park. The park has been under state protection since 1935, thanks to which ancient architectural monuments, as well as a considerable number of Mediterranean plants and rare birds, have been preserved on the territory of Portofino. The underwater world in Portofino Bay also amazes with its brightness and diversity.

Since any construction is prohibited in Portofino, it looks like many seaside towns in Italy of the 19th century - bright colorful houses and villas surrounded by palms and olive trees, cobbled streets and squares, fishing boats in the port, to which today modern boats and yachts have been added .

Portofino is a fabulous town on the shores of the most picturesque bay of the Ligurian Sea

In the 10th century, the town belonged to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, in the 13th century it became part of the Republic of Genoa - for some time the merchant fleet of Genoa was based here, then the Florentines ruled here, and only in 1861 the city became part of Italy.

In the 19th century, this fishing town became a popular place among creative people who prefer a calm, measured holiday - Maupassant often visited here, who considered Portofino “the kingdom of harmony and peace.” Modern show business stars and politicians also enjoy visiting Portofino, hiding here from the hustle and bustle in luxury hotels or in their own villas.

Climate and weather

Climate in Portofino typically Mediterranean – warm and soft. The amount of precipitation is low even in winter, but in summer it is a real sunny paradise.

The average summer temperature is +27 C, in July and August it sometimes reaches +35 C; in winter the air temperature almost never drops below zero, as on the entire coast of Liguria. In summer, the water in the bay warms up to +23 C.

What to see in Portofino

An interesting historical and architectural monument is the ancient Castle Castello Brown, located on a hill from which the most picturesque views of Portofino and the bay open.

The first fortress on the site of the castle, which repelled more than one attack, was built by the Romans and was made of wood. In the 15th century, wooden buildings were replaced by more durable stone ones. At the end of the 19th century, the castle was purchased by the English consul Montagu Brown as a villa for living.

Castello Brown was built in the 15th century

In 1961, the building was transferred to the municipality of Portofino, which organized an exhibition of works by local artists there. In the interior of the castle, many ancient bas-reliefs, painted ceilings, and carved wooden furniture have been preserved.

There is a well-kept garden with wonderful alleys around the castle, where luxurious weddings and parties are often held.

Worth a visit and Church of St. George- the patron saint of Portofino, whose relics, brought by the crusaders from the campaign to the Holy Land, are kept in the temple. The church was erected in 1154, reconstructed several times, and during the Second World War it was completely destroyed.

The temple acquired its current appearance in the 50s of the last century. The church of San Giorgio, located on the top of a hill, is reached by a wide road from the main town square.

The relics of the saint, brought here by the crusaders, are kept in the Church of St. George

Deciding what to see in Portofino, do not forget about the temple of San Martino. Built in the 12th century, today it is a kind of museum: it houses ancient sculptures made of wood and stone, as well as works by Italian painters.

Be sure to take a walk along the main street of the resort town - the magnificent Via Roma, along which there are boutiques of all the world's most famous brands: Gucci, Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani, Hermes, Dolce Gabbana and many others.

Hotels

Being one of the most popular destinations, Portofino is perfectly prepared to receive guests of the most diverse caliber. And although hotels in Portofino itself cannot boast of either quantity or variety, in the immediate vicinity of the town their choice is quite wide.

You can view accommodation options, photos, a map and guest reviews, as well as book a room for yourself, using the link below.

Excursions from Portofino

Tourists vacationing in Portofino are definitely recommended to visit the most ancient architectural landmark of the bay - Abbey of San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte, built on the seashore back in the 10th century.

The monastery complex consists of a church, the abbey itself with a courtyard, and a watchtower built in the 15th century to protect against pirates. The abbey is named after Saint Fruttuoso, the patron saint of sailors who lived in the 3rd century; According to legend, the saint's followers once crashed in this bay.

You can get to San Fruttuoso on foot, overcoming steep mountain paths, or by sea - on a boat or boat.

The statue of Christ is installed under water at a depth of 17 meters

Excursions from Portofino– this is also one of the most unusual attractions – Christ statue, installed underwater in Fruttuoso Bay at a depth of 17 meters. Due to the fact that the water in the bay is incredibly clean and transparent, the statue can be seen not only from a boat, but also from the top of the hill on which the abbey is located.

Not far from the town there are five unique ancient villages, hidden on rugged cliffs overlooking the sea: Vernazza, Monterosso, Riomaggiore, Corniglia and Manarola, which can only be reached by sea.

If desired, from Portofino you can go on excursions to Genoa or.

Beaches of Portofino and surroundings

Despite the fact that Portofino is a seaside resort, there are practically no beaches in the town itself. Of course, there are small rocky beaches, but most of them belong to hotels, so vacationers go to the beaches of the nearby town of Santa Margherita Ligure to swim and sunbathe.

For a long time, Portofino has been the desired destination of all tourists, including those traveling on yachts or cruise ships. Celebrities loved to come here; Truman Capote and Guy de Maupassant worked here; Hollywood stars vacationed here - Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Elizabeth Taylor and Rex Harrison; The Duke and Duchess of Windsor honeymooned here, and Aristotle Onassis loved to sail here on a yacht. Today, aristocrats vacationing here tend to stay in private villas in the hills outside the city, but you never know who's sipping a Campari and soda at a swim-up bar.

During high season the city is simply bursting at the seams; There are inevitable traffic jams on the road along the embankment, and parking prices are very high. Anyone who is determined to get here during the season should at least do it not on weekends; It is best to use the morning hours or sail. Prices are aimed at wealthy guests. A legendary place, still the number one address on the entire Riviera, is Hotel Splendido. On a narrow hill sloping steeply down to the sea south of Portofino stands the Church of San Giorgio. The walk to Punta di Capo is very beautiful: the road leads past the Castello di S. Giorgio, surrounded by a park, in 1870 it was the residence of Sir Montague Yates Brown, the British consul in Genoa and the “discoverer” of Portofino. Nowadays there is a museum with various objects made of slate and reliefs from the 16th century. The resort town of Tsoagli with a small pebble beach and a railway bridge looks very cozy. The local fabrics are famous - handmade velvet and damask. Art lovers will appreciate the painting by Zoaglia native Teramo Piaggio in the parish church of San Martino. The castle garden is equally lovely, with beautiful views of the harbor below. A little further from the lighthouse you can also admire the surroundings.

By boat or on foot you can go to the other side of the bay to the 11th century Abbey di San Francisco. Closer to the sea stands a bronze statue of Christ, installed in 1954.

Portofino may be a tiny fishing village, but there are definitely enough interesting places here for several days. Next, we’ll find out what a tourist can see in Portofino and whether it’s possible to swim here.

Church of St. Martin (Chiesa di San Martino)

It is always better to start exploring any Italian city from the central church.

In Italy, especially in the Genoa region, you can very often see such motley striped churches of different colors. Most historians do not see any religious overtones in the construction of such striped churches - such design of facades served only for aesthetic purposes.

Some people see disrespect for the church itself in such a flashy design, but the tradition of striped facades, including church ones, was born back in the 13-14th century, both in northern Italy, as well as in the canton of Switzerland, Ticino, bordering Italy, as well as in the south of France (honestly, when I saw the photo of the Porto-Finnish church I immediately remembered the Marseille Cathedral, equally striped), decorating facades with stripes has become a centuries-old tradition.

In Switzerland, simple and unremarkable buildings were originally decorated with flashy stripes not just to stand out, but to show “care” for their property. In Genoa, since the 13th century, the houses and villas of wealthy families were striped - this is how wealthy citizens were thanked in Italy for their contribution to the development of the city.

Whatever inspired the Portofino architects of the 13th century, the colorful church in Portofino still stands, delighting the eyes of townspeople and tourists.

Castle Brown (Castello Brown)

A small mountain peninsula - what other location could be better for looking out for enemy ships? That is why at one time, namely in 1557, a fortress with rows of cannon batteries was erected here. The defense of the peninsula was not successful in all battles, but most of the buildings have survived to this day in their original form.

Since 1815, after the Napoleonic conquests, the castle was abandoned. In 1867, it was bought by the British consul in Genoa, after which it changed hands several times until it came under the jurisdiction of the city in 1961.

Now this place is open to tourists for only 5 €; weddings, exhibitions and other special events are held here.

Lighthouse Portofino

The lighthouse is located at the very edge of the cape on a cliff densely covered with pine trees. Tourists are not allowed inside the lighthouse, but the promenade offers wonderful views of both the sea and the village, and if you’re lucky, you can see dolphins in the water - it’s a good idea to take binoculars with you.

From the central square there is the "orange route" - a red-orange brick path that leads to the Portofino lighthouse through Brown Castle. The walk is only about 1 km.

Diving

The historical buildings in Portofino can be seen in half a day, but it’s better not to skimp on time for diving. The entire coast of the peninsula, from Portofino to Camogli, is a marine reserve, on the bottom of which here and there there are underwater beauties: artificial reefs, coral and mountain underwater formations.

The most striking place is the statue of “Christ from the Abyss” (Cristo degli Abissi) - one of the most unusual places to see in Portofino. It is located in the Bay of San Fruttuoso, 5 km from Portofino.

The idea of ​​installing the statue was promoted by Italian diver Duilio Marcante. To tell the truth, not everyone immediately shared his idea of ​​​​installing a 2.5-meter statue where only a few could see it, but later the statue was installed at a depth of about 17 meters on the spot where the first Italian diver died in 1947 .

50 years after the installation of the monument in 1954, it was taken out of the water - the metal was severely corroded, overgrown with algae, and part of one arm completely fell off from the impact of a carelessly thrown anchor.

But since 2004, the new monument has graced the waters of the Italian Riviera, attracting a huge number of divers.

In addition to the statue, you can swim to 4 different sunken ships or just gaze at the sea creatures.

You can contact the Portofino Divers diving center or Il Grande Blu in Santa Margherita Liguria. The official website contains detailed information about recreational diving - places to which you can swim, diving depth, water temperature, etc.

There you can hire an instructor and rent equipment.

Yachting

Come to the yachting center near Genoa and not rent a yacht? Think again, at least take off your boat :-)

Renting an inexpensive boat in Portofino itself is quite problematic, but much more pleasant offers can be found in Santa Margherita Liguria. For example, the TLM Nautica company offers motor boats for up to 6 people for 50 € per hour or 200 € per day (these are summer prices, discounts are available at other times).

If you want to rent a yacht, then the Bay View company rents them out right in Portofino Bay not far from the main square.

Beaches of Portofino

I don’t want to upset travelers who are already in the mood to sunbathe on yellow beaches among pine-covered rocks, but there really are no beaches in Portofino. There are, of course, many places along the coast where you can relax on a cafe terrace while drinking Italian wine, but there is practically no place to take a dip in the water.

So let's take the bus and head to the beach outside of Portofino!

Paraggi

To get here, you need to take bus 82 towards Santa Margherita Liguria and get off at stop 2 - Paraggi.

You will find yourself right at the descent to a small pebble beach with azure waters and with all the amenities and several cafes right on the premises.

Gio e Rino Beach

Stop Covo N.E. capolinea of ​​the same 82 bus is located near the Gio e Rino beach (there is also a diving center). The beach is pebble, there are sun loungers, but there is a descent into the water, but the bottom is too steep. Parking is provided for car travelers.

North of Portofino, towards Santa Margherita Liguria, there are several more beaches. There are no striking differences between them - there are changing cabins and showers everywhere, and it’s easy to get to them all. So you can safely choose any one according to your mood.

San Fruttuoso

In this small cove, just near the place where the statue of “Christ from the Abyss” is located under the water, there is also a small secluded beach. There are many hiking and cycling trails around, so you can combine relaxation on the beach with active walks. Distance from Portofino – 4 km.

Beaches in Camogli

Camogli is a village on the opposite side of the peninsula from Santa Margherita Liguria, the distance from Portofino is 15 km. The coastline is very long, there are several beaches here, but all are pebbly and all have fairly deep slopes.

You can easily get here by train from Santa Margherita Liguria or by rented boat from Portofino.

Portofy-i-ino! As one of our friends said: “Portofino is not for mere mortals, the oh-so-rich Pinocchio vacation here.” The way it is. This is a glamorous, posh and very expensive resort in Italy on the Ligurian coast. There is a 99.8% chance of meeting a world-class star here. We didn't meet a single one during our entire day stay. But we drank coffee and orange juice for 18 euros. We have never seen such prices even in Monaco. We weren’t planning on vacationing in Portofino, but it’s quite possible to visit here. Hooray, Portofino, you are the best! Here it is, Dolce vita!

Portofino is not a city, it is not a big bay where expensive yachts and boats dock. Around this cove along the coast there are some of the most expensive restaurants and boutiques of the Ligurian coast. And while these yachts are being defended, and their rich passengers and owners are enjoying a beautiful and very expensive life on the shore, we will take a walk through these picturesque places.

How and what to get to Portofino.

There are two ways to get to Portofino. The first way is by boat from the town. Travel time is fifteen minutes. The second way is also from the town of San Margarita, but only by land by bus. By the way, it is more convenient and faster to get to Santa Margherita Liguria by train. By the way, traveling around Liguria by train is very simple and fast, you just need to know how to use them and buy the right ticket in the right direction. But more on that another time.

So, buses No. 85 and 855 leave from Santa Margherita from the embankment every half hour. A ticket costs 4 euros and can be purchased at any tobacconist's stall or at the bus station at the ticket office. The bus from Santa Margherita to Portofino takes fifteen to twenty minutes along the coast with stops. Stunning views, one better than the other, are guaranteed. It’s better to board the bus on the left side in the direction of travel.

The bus to Portofino arrives in a small square, from where it is a two-minute walk to the embankment. You just need to go where everyone else is going. Walking along a small street past expensive boutiques and restaurants about two hundred meters, you will find yourself on the embankment. The first thing you will see are numerous motor boats and ships. The yachts settle in the bay a little further, you will see them if you climb the mountain to Castello Brown. To start, go left along the pier. After about a hundred meters you will come across a fence. There is no further way, private property begins there. But from here you can clearly see Castle Brown and the entire bay. If you wish, you can have a cup of coffee or beer in this place. But before you do this, ask about the prices, otherwise you won’t have enough euros for the return trip.

The very center of the town

Embankment

If desired, in Portofino on the embankment you can rent a boat or motor boat. Price approximately 150-200 euros for half a day.

Castle Brown can be seen on the mountain

How to get to Castle Brown in Portofino

Then we go back and go to the opposite side of the bay. Here you will see purple meerkats and a suspended hippopotamus on the stone wall on the right and immediately a narrow passage with stairs leading up. This is the road up the mountain to Castle Brown. Get ready to be a little tense; you will have to walk for 15 minutes, or maybe more, up the steep stone stairs. The speed and time of the climb will depend on your athletic training. At the end of the path you will find yourself in front of a ticket office where they sell tickets to the castle. The cost of this ticket is 5 euros. But you will have no choice and you will still buy a ticket. Well, you can’t go back without seeing what’s inside the castle, having gone through such a difficult path?

Meerkats. Or gophers.

Gee! What does it mean?

Steep stairs to the castle. How do you like this climb?

Villa Berlusconi on the right

The town of Santa Margherita Liguria is visible in the distance

Castle "Castello Brown"

In the castle

Just like that inside

But in the castle, in fact, there is nothing so interesting, except for gorgeous views of the bay and the sea. This is where you will see the snow-white yachts of the rich Buratinos.

Having enjoyed the beauty, we go back down, but in the place where there was a sign for “Castello Brown” we do not turn right down the stairs, but go straight. As a result, we find ourselves at the ancient church of St. George. The church was originally built in the 12th century, but was destroyed during the war and completely restored in 1950. Some guidebooks, guides and tour guides claim that the relics of St. George are kept in this church. Don't believe it, they are not there.

Portofino. Church of St. George

View from the church

The church also offers gorgeous views, including the coastline on the other side of the mountain. After admiring the landscapes, we go down just past a park with strange sculptures, among which you will notice the same pink meerkats (this is actually a botanical garden) and other strange sculptures. At the end of the path you will again come to the embankment. But then decide for yourself what to do. You can walk through boutiques and shops, or you can just sit in a coastal cafe with a cup of coffee, a glass of wine or beer, waiting for some world movie star.

Showcase of one of the boutiques

After you have completed all your important business in Portofino, do not rush to catch the bus, but head straight along the pink path that stretches from the promenade towards the road along which you arrived by bus. This is not just a red carpet, it is a walking route from Portofino to Santa Margherita Liguria. The path runs above the highway through the grandiose National Park “Il Parco di Portofino”. Here, around every turn, views await you that are even more beautiful than those seen before. Walk straight along the path without turning anywhere, by the way, it is painted red and, in the end, you will come to Santa Margherita. Travel time may take you about an hour and a half. But if you get tired, go down to the road, where there will be a bus stop, where you can return to Santa Margarita.

Red carpet in the National Park